Excited Year 5 pupils from Smith’s Wood Primary Academy got a taste of secondary school life during a day of hands-on workshops at Smith’s Wood Academy.
The pupils visited the academy on Wednesday 1 July for a programme of activities designed to support their transition to secondary school and showcase the school’s facilities.
Mrs Hobbis, Year 5 lead at Smith’s Wood Primary Academy, said: “For the last few years, our Year 5 pupils have been visiting Smith’s Wood to see the wonderful things going on here. The staff couldn’t be more accommodating, and the children absolutely love it.”
“They already come here for swimming lessons, and today they have taken part in really engaging workshops. Everything is geared towards making their transition from primary to secondary school as smooth as possible, and the children are so enthusiastic.
“When we get back to school, there’s always a buzz and children asking when they can go back to Smith’s Wood again!”
Year 7 students from Smith’s Wood Academy were on hand throughout the day to support the visiting pupils, helping them find their way around the school site and sharing their own experiences of transition.
George, a Year 7 student at Smith’s Wood Academy, said: “Smith’s Wood Academy is a brilliant school. Since I got here in September, I’ve become extremely confident because you can chat with teachers if you’re nervous. They’re here to support us. Nobody is left out.”
“I hope these primary school pupils enjoy Smith’s Wood and choose to come here in September.”
Lily, also in Year 7, said: “I think these workshops will help the Year 5 pupils by making them feel more responsible, which they will need when they join secondary school.”
“I think they have really enjoyed their day at Smith’s Wood!”
Workshops included maths superpowers, monster bookmark-making and geography models crafted from playdough.
The visit ended with a bang as science teacher Mr Ahmed put on a magic show in the school theatre.
Vice Principal Miss Munawar said: “It was great to welcome Year 5 pupils from Smith’s Wood Primary again and help them prepare for their transition to secondary school.”
“We are arranging these workshop days for local primary schools so their pupils can see the amazing facilities we have here and get a feel for our school.
“We give them a taster of our curriculum and culture, as well as an opportunity to spend time with students who joined us last September.
“They are really valuable days that create a lot of excitement.”